When we use the term ‘Husband–Wife’ we need to bear in mind that China has always been a predominantly patriarchal society and this metaphor would have seemed more apt to a practitioner in ancient China. A Chinese saying about this imbalance states:

In this context the left-hand pulses (the Heart and Small Intestine, Liver and Gall Bladder, Kidney and Bladder) are connected with the husband. In general men are more yang in body type and are physically larger and more powerful than women. In ancient societies they would be the hunters and gatherers who went out searching for food. We would expect the pulses to reflect this and be stronger.

The right-hand pulses (the Lung and Large Intestine, Spleen and Stomach, Pericardium and Triple Burner) are associated with the wife. In general women are physically smaller and more yin in body type than men. Women are more often the home-makers. This was certainly true in ancient China, although it is less true today. The pulses of the wife would therefore be expected to reflect this situation by being slightly weaker.

The term ‘Husband–Wife’ reflects the Chinese culture. Today this imbalance would doubtless be labelled differently.

We can also think of the Husband–Wife in terms of yin and yang (this was also suggested in Worsley, 1990, p. 180). In this case we can define it by stating that the yin and yang energies are severely out of harmony, which the Chinese thought was a forewarning of death. The separation of the yin and yang creates an alienation from the person’s true self at a fundamental level. This following quotation demonstrates the importance of the two qualities of fire (yang) and water (yin) in the relationship between husband and wife:

(Using the term ‘fire’ to represent yang and ‘water’ to represent yin is not using these terms in a Five Element context, but more a yin/yang context.)

The main method of diagnosing a Husband–Wife imbalance is by pulse diagnosis. The pulses on the left-hand side should be slightly stronger in quality and quantity than those on the right. When this imbalance is present, the right side may be felt as hard, tight and aggressive in nature and the ones on the left weak, feeble and flaccid. There will usually be a difference in strength as well as in the qualities on the pulses. Care must be taken not to make a diagnosis purely based upon pulse diagnosis. Some people have abnormal radial arteries on one of their wrists. Diagnosis should be based on a combination of pulse diagnosis and at least one of the following signs or symptoms.

Pulse diagnosis always needs to be confirmed by other signs and symptoms that are affecting the person’s health. Severe and uncontrolled disharmony of the patient’s qi is the distinguishing feature of a Husband–Wife imbalance. It may be primarily affecting the body, mind or spirit. Signs and symptoms include: